NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh says his players are desperate to get back down to business at Rodney Parade today after a month without a home game and a two-week break from competitive action.

County have not played at home since a 2-2 draw against Exeter City on November 16, which was watched by a season’s best crowd of 4,070.

Since then the Exiles have won at Bury and Carlisle United but were without a game last weekend having been knocked out of the FA Cup at Luton Town.

This afternoon’s clash with Stevenage offers Edinburgh’s men the chance to pick up three points at home for the first time since October 21.

“After Carlisle we would have liked to have had another game quickly,” said Edinburgh.

“As it is we’ve spent quite a bit of time on the training ground, which we don’t usually get the time to do, and I know the boys are itching to get back to action.

“November was a long month for us with some difficult trips but the players dealt with it magnificently and we got some very valuable points on the road.

“We’ve had a couple of draws of late at home and after two good away wins we want to make sure we back that up with three points against Stevenage.”

The Exiles will be without striker Chris Zebroski today after he picked up a fifth booking of the season at Carlisle.

Shaun Jeffers, who scored the third goal in the 3-2 win at Brunton Park, is likely to partner Aaron O’Connor up front.

Today’s game may come too soon for Mike Flynn, while Christian Jolley (ankle), Kevin Feely (broken finger) and long-term absentee Robbie Willmott (foot) are all sidelined.

But strikers Rene Howe and Danny Crow are available and Edinburgh also has to decide whether to recall goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley or stick with youngster Jamie Stephens.

“It’s not about Lenny and Jamie and I don’t want it to become a Lenny or Jamie thing,” said the manager.

“It’s about the team and any team I pick is one that I feel can win the game.

“Anyone who came to watch this group of players train every day would see that training effects my decisions.

“They are a fantastic group and they push each other every day.

“Their attitude and application is first class and every player is pushing for a start.

“It’s not just about Lenny; Adam Chapman and Mark Byrne can’t even get in the team at the minute.

“For the last couple of weeks now I’ve looked at my bench and felt that we’ve got game-changing players there if and when they’re needed.

“Competition is fierce but it’s competitive in the right way. It’s a driven group but that’s the way I like it.”